Exclusive: Exciting News About Baylan Skoll's Fate in Ahsoka Season 2!

This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 8.

Summary

Ray Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka was exceptional, captivating audiences with his powerful acting and exhilarating combat sequences alongside Ahsoka Tano. Unfortunately, Baylan's story in Ahsoka remains incomplete, leaving his motives and background shrouded in secrecy. As a result, Lucasfilm has made the decision to recast the character in order to further develop his narrative.

Baylan Skoll's recasting poses a challenge due to the tragic passing of beloved actor Ray Stevenson. The pressure to find the perfect replacement is crucial to pay homage to Stevenson's legacy. Ahsoka fans particularly enjoyed Stevenson's portrayal as Baylan Skoll, making Lucasfilm's decision to recast a tough one. Despite being a familiar face in the Star Wars universe, Stevenson was ecstatic to join the live-action series. His excitement was evident at the highly anticipated Star Wars Celebration 2023, where he exuded sheer joy in anticipation of the audience's response to his character, Baylan Skoll.

Ray Stevenson, the beloved actor, passed away on May 21, 2023, leaving a profound impact on the Ahsoka cast and crew. The premiere of Ahsoka paid a heartfelt tribute to him, titled "For Our Friend, Ray", and his fellow stars expressed their unwavering affection for him in subsequent interviews. It is evident that he was a delightful presence to collaborate with, making his absence deeply felt. Sadly, this creates a challenging predicament for Lucasfilm as Baylan Skoll, who was set to assume a significant role in the future, now leaves the production in a difficult position.

Ray Stevenson's Baylan Skoll Was A Highlight Of Ahsoka - But His Story Is Unfinished

There is no denying that Ray Stevenson's portrayal of the dark Jedi Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka was truly remarkable. Baylan's character was both captivating and intricate, leaving his motives shrouded in mystery. Initially, he appeared to have high expectations for his Padawan, Shin Hati, only to abandon them when he succumbed to the allure of the ancient world of Peridea. Stevenson brought an unparalleled intensity and determination to Baylan, creating a powerful dynamic with Ivanno Sakhno, who portrayed the volatile Shin Hati. However, Baylan's most memorable moments came from his intense battles with Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano; he proved to be Ahsoka's most formidable adversary and nearly succeeded in killing her.

The unfortunate issue is that Ahsoka left Baylan's story unresolved. His backstory remains an enigma, especially regarding his extensive knowledge of Anakin Skywalker, as his transformation into Darth Vader was a closely guarded secret. His motives remain inscrutable, seemingly connected to the Mortis gods as depicted in Ahsoka's finale, which suggests an even greater role for him. Notably, he was seen standing next to the statue of the Father, a cosmic entity whose objective was to achieve a harmonious balance between light and dark, hinting at his true agenda. These factors unequivocally indicate that Lucasfilm cannot continue this narrative without the inclusion of Baylan Skoll.

Lucasfilm Has No Choice But To Recast Baylan Skoll

Ray Stevenson's untimely passing before witnessing the immense love viewers had for Baylan Skoll is truly tragic. It is commendable that Lucasfilm chose not to alter his story in any way, preserving the original overarching narrative even after Stevenson's death. This gave viewers, as well as the cast and crew, the opportunity to bid farewell to an exceptional actor and witness his final performance in its entirety.

However, this decision also leaves Baylan's fate hanging in the balance, with his story concluding on an ambiguous note. The dark Jedi continues his exploration of Peridea, drawn towards a potent Force convergence that beckoned him from across the galaxies. Furthermore, with three other significant characters also stranded on Peridea, it feels like a deliberate setup leading towards a specific direction. There is no conceivable way to write Baylan out or repurpose additional footage as a tribute. The only means of preserving Ray Stevenson's legacy now is to recast the character and allow audiences to glimpse Baylan Skoll's future.

It is crucial to preserve Baylan's story in Ahsoka season 1 to avoid undermining the mystery surrounding his character. If Star Wars were to drop or kill off Baylan, it would create a sense of disappointment and leave the earlier stories feeling incomplete. Therefore, it is necessary to continue Baylan's storyline.

However, this process will be challenging and emotional. Ray Stevenson, who played Baylan, was not only a colleague but also a close friend to many at Lucasfilm, and his passing is deeply mourned. There is immense pressure to handle this situation correctly. Additionally, the Star Wars fanbase, known for its divided opinions, will be closely observing the decisions made. Recasting Baylan Skoll for Ahsoka season 2 (or any future projects) is a difficult task that lies ahead.

All episodes of Ahsoka are streaming now on Disney+.